Feb. 9, 2002
Audio From Post-Game Press Conference:
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Brian Burke hit a three-pointer with 1.9 seconds left in the game to give Lafayette a 77-74 win over Patriot League foe American on Saturday at Kirby Sports Center.
American's last-second three-point attempt by Steven Miles rimmed out and Lafayette held on for the Leopards' second win versus the league-leading Eagles this season.
American (13-10, 7-3) came out shooting, taking a 21-12 lead on a Nick Boyd three-pointer at 10:30. Lafayette bounced back to go on a 15-6 run capped by two Burke free throws to take a 28-27 lead at 5:52. Ben Saxton came alive in the final 5:15 of the half, scoring eight points as the Leopards crept out to a 10-point lead, 45-35, at halftime.
Lafayette (12-11, 6-4) set the tone in the second half as Justin DeBerry hit a three-pointer, giving his team a 13-point advantage to open the stanza. The Eagles spent the rest of the second half chipping away at the deficit and eventually tying the game at 72-72 when Andres Rodriguez converted 1-of-2 from the charity stripe at 2:03.
Lafayette's Justin DeBerry converted two free throws to give the 'Pards a 74-72 lead at 1:28. American's Vladimir Buscaglia then made two shots from the line for a 74-74 tie game at 1:11. The Leopards forced an American turnover and put the ball in the hands of their leading scorer as Burke hit a three-pointer for the 77-74 victory.
Five Leopards reached double-digits for the second time this season led by DeBerry with 19, Saxton with 17 and Burke with 16 points. Mick Kuberka added 11 points while Mike Farrell chipped in 10 points.
American's Patrick Doctor led the Eagles with 23 points followed by Buscaglia and Steven Miles with 11 and Keith Gray with 10. The Eagles shot 54 percent from the floor compared to Lafayette's 47 percent, but were out-rebounded by the Leopards, 27-26.
Lafayette returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts Army in game two of a doubleheader at Kirby Sports Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
